Lot splits under SB 9 in Chowchilla: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Chowchilla Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Chowchilla's code says

Chowchilla code What Chowchilla's code adds
How the lot may be divided	Neither new parcel may be smaller than 40% of the original lot area. Applies: Applies to each parcel created by the split. § 17.26.090 · code text One parcel shall not be smaller than forty percent of the lot area of the original parcel;
Minimum new lot size	Each new parcel must be at least 1,200 square feet. Applies: Applies to both newly created parcels. § 17.26.090 · code text Both newly created parcels shall be no smaller than one thousand two hundred square feet each;
Standards	The split may create no more than 2 new parcels. Applies: Applies to an urban lot split. § 17.26.060 · code text The urban lot split will subdivide an existing parcel to create no more than two new parcels; No more than 2 dwelling units of any type per parcel. Applies: Applies to each parcel in an urban lot split, counting main homes, ADUs, JADUs and state two-unit housing. § 17.26.060 · code text The parcel proposed for subdivision shall not result in more than two dwelling units of any type per parcel involved in an urban lot split, including principal dwelling units, ADUs and JADUs, and residential development permitted by Cal. Government Code Section 65852.21; Each parcel must have 1 principal unit. Applies: Applies to each parcel. § 17.26.060 · code text One principal unit is required per parcel; Allowed only on parcels located entirely in a single-family zoning district. § 17.26.060 · code text The parcel shall be located entirely within a single-family zoning district; The 2 new parcels must have about equal lot area. Applies: Applies to the two new parcels. § 17.26.090 · code text The two new parcels shall be of approximately equal lot area; Each new parcel must front a public street or alley. Applies: Applies to each proposed parcel. § 17.26.090 · code text Each of the proposed parcels shall have public right-of-way frontage (public street or alley) abutting the original parcel; No flag lots, and no lots with a narrow strip reaching to or along the street frontage. Applies: Applies to newly created lots. § 17.26.090 · code text A flag lot, or a lot with a narrow projecting strip of land extending to or along a public right-of-way frontage, shall not be permitted;
Owner occupancy	The applicant signs an affidavit to live in one unit as their main home for at least 3 years. Applies: Counted from the lot split approval. A community land trust or qualified nonprofit does not need the affidavit. § 17.26.020 · code text An application shall include an affidavit stating that the applicant intends to occupy one of the housing units as their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Chowchilla?

Chowchilla's code: Each new parcel must be at least 1,200 square feet. (Applies to both newly created parcels.) (§ 17.26.090); The applicant signs an affidavit to live in one unit as their main home for at least 3 years. (Counted from the lot split approval. A community land trust or qualified nonprofit does not need the affidavit.) (§ 17.26.020).

Lot splits under SB 9 in Chowchilla

What Chowchilla's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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